Truck bed storage system

ABSTRACT

A truck bed storage system is disclosed which may be readily assembled and unassembled in a bed of a truck. An example of the truck bed storage system includes a frame having an opening formed therethrough. At least one lock mechanism connects the frame to a sidewall of a truck bed. A bedrail stop connected to the frame is configured to fit over a front portion of the truck bed and stop the frame from sliding away from the front portion of the truck bed. A first panel hinged to the frame forms a lid of a storage area formed in the truck bed. A second panel hinged to the frame forms a back side of the storage area formed in the truck bed.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/009,686 filed Jan. 28, 2016 for “ModularTruck Bed Storage System” of Jeff A. Wilson, which is acontinuation-in-part (CIP) application of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/340,220 filed Jul. 24, 2014 for “Modular Truck Bed StorageSystem” of Jeff A. Wilson and claims the priority benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/865,742 filed Aug. 14, 2013 for“Truck Storage” of Jeff A. Wilson, each hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Pickup trucks continue to be a popular choice of consumers for a varietyof uses (e.g., personal/recreational and commercial transportation). Onereason for their popularity is the truck bed which enables transport ofcargo and other articles outside of the passenger cabin. Unfortunately,anything stowed in the truck bed generally remains visible and issusceptible to weather and theft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example truck bed storage system as it may beinstalled in a truck bed.

FIG. 2 shows the example truck bed storage system shown in FIG. 1removed from a truck bed.

FIG. 3 illustrates installation of the example truck bed storage systemin a truck bed.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view showing a lock mechanism of the example truckbed storage system.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view showing an end-plate fastener of the exampletruck bed storage system.

FIG. 6 is a close-up view showing a bedrail op of the example truck bedstorage system.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are close-up views showing a side wing of the exampletruck bed storage system.

FIGS. 8A-8C show an example truck bed storage system with an extensionpanel.

FIG. 9 is a close-up view showing a lock mechanism of the example truckbed storage system shown in FIGS. 8A-8C.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example truck bed storage system with an uppertransport deck.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show another example truck bed storage system with anupper transport deck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

About 10 years ago, the standard pickup bed length was 8 feet long.Today it is between about 6 and 6.5 feet long. The “standard” tool boxwidth is about 2 feet. Therefore, the standard tool box usesapproximately 30% of the total bed length. With the 6 foot bed, a 30%loss of the bed length becomes a problem. A “standard” cargo box usesapproximately 60% of the bed length, creating an even bigger problem.Pickup trucks are designed for open bed hauling, and tool boxes andcargo boxes tend to restrict that use. For example, truck owners oftenhave to remove their tool box 3 or 4 times every month to accommodateopen bed hauling.

The truck bed storage system disclosed herein enables a cargo box and/ortool box configuration with a quick conversion to open bed hauling. Inaddition, the conversion can be made even when away from home, becausethe box remains fastened to the truck and allows for 100% open bedhauling.

A truck bed storage system is disclosed which may be readily assembledand unassembled in a bed of a truck or “truck bed.” An example of thetruck bed storage system includes an end panel, and a lid assemblyforming a compartment in the truck bed. The example truck bed storagesystem is configured for securement to at least one sidewall of a truckbed. In an example, surfaces of the truck bed itself (e.g., sidewallsand floor) are used to form part of the storage compartment. The truckbed storage system can be readily uninstalled from the truck bed, andeasily stored (e.g., in a small storage closet).

Conventional tonneau covers often require one to one and a half hours ofinstallation time. Even after the tonneau cover has been installed thefirst time (e.g., the holes are drilled into the truck bed),reinstalling the tonneau cover is a laborious project. Often, the coveris not uninstalled, because it takes so long and may even need twopeople to remove/install. Even simple tool boxes can require one-halfhour or more initial installation time.

In contrast, the two-sided box and cover disclosed herein are a simpleand quick to install without needing tools. An example of the truck bedstorage system includes a frame having an opening formed therethrough;at least one lock mechanism to connect the frame to a sidewall of atruck bed; a bedrail stop connected to the frame, the bedrail stopconfigured to fit over a front portion of the truck bed and stop theframe from sliding away from the front portion of the truck bed; a firstpanel hinged to the frame, the first panel forming a lid of a storagearea formed in the truck bed; and a second panel hinged to the frame,the second panel forming a back side of the storage area formed in thetruck bed.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes”and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including”and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on”means “based on” and “based at least in part on.”

It should be further noted that the truck bed storage system should notbe limited to dimensions which may be represented in the figures.Various sizes and dimensions may be used to accommodate a variety ofvehicles (e.g., large and smaller truck beds) and/or variousconfigurations of the truck bed storage system itself. Nor should thetruck bed storage system be limited to any particular material ofmanufacture. In addition, components shown and described in theexample(s) may be interchanged and/or added to and/or removed fromcomponents of another of the example(s).

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example truck bed storage system 10 as it may beinstalled in a truck bed 1. FIG. 2 shows the example truck bed storagesystem 10 shown in FIG. 1 removed from the truck bed 1. FIG. 3illustrates installation of the example truck bed storage system 10 intruck bed 1. FIG. 4 is a close-up view showing a lock mechanism of theexample truck bed storage system 10. FIG. 5 is a close-up view showingan end-plate fastener of the example truck bed storage system 10. FIG. 6is a close-up view showing a bedrail stop of the example truck bedstorage system 10.

The example truck bed storage system 10 includes a frame 12 having anopening 13 (see FIG. 4) formed therethrough. At least one lock mechanism(e.g., lock sliders 14 a-b and 15 a-b visible in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 4-5)connects the frame 12 to one or more of the sidewalls 2 a and 2 b of thetruck bed 1. A bedrail stop (e.g., brackets 16 a and 16 b or “angleirons”) may be connected to the frame 12. The bedrail stop is configuredto fit over a front portion 3 of the truck bed 1 and stops the frame 12from sliding away from the front portion 3 of the truck bed 1. A firstpanel 18 is hinged to the frame 12 (e.g., by hinges 20 a and 20 b shownin FIG. 2). The first panel 18 forms a lid of a storage area 22 (see,e.g., FIG. 1B and FIG. 4) formed in the truck bed 1. A second panel 24is hinged to the frame 12 (e.g., by hinges 26 a and 26 b shown in FIGS.7A and 7B). The second panel 24 forms a back side of the storage area 22formed in the truck bed 1.

The storage system may be provided in any of a variety of sizesaccording to the size of the storage space desired and the size of thepick-up truck bed into which the system will be assembled. Any of avariety of articles may be held within an assembled truck-bed storagesystem, for example, tools and camping equipment.

In an example, the first panel or lid 18 rotates on the hinges 16 a and16 b to lift away from the frame 12 to open the storage area 22 formedin the truck bed 1. The second panel or back side 24 can be folded underthe frame 12, e.g., by rotating on hinges 26 a and 26 b. Folding theback side 24 opens or provides rearward access to the storage area 22formed in the truck bed 1, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. Folding the backside 24 also enables ready transport and storage of the truck bedstorage system 10, e.g. as illustrated by FIG. 2.

In an example, the lock mechanism (e.g., slide locks 14 a-b and 15 a-b)stops the frame from lifting up from the sidewalls 2 a-2 b of the truckbed 1 without modifying the sidewalls of (e.g., drilling through orattaching to) the truck bed. For example, the slide locks 14 a-b and 15a-b may be configured to slide under the inside sidewall 2 a and 2 b ofthe truck bed 1, and substantially or completely stop the frame 12 fromlifting up from the sidewall 2 a and 2 b of the truck bed 1.

In an example, the truck bed storage system 10 includes end-platefasteners 28 a and 28 b, as shown in FIG. 3. The end-plate fasteners 28a and 28 b may be connected on a first end to a lower portion of theend-plate 24, and the end-plate fasteners 28 a and 28 b may be connectedon a second end to the frame 12. The end-plate fasteners 28 a and 28 bmay be configured to secure the end-plate 24 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A)and keep the end-plate 24 from inadvertently opening and spillingcontents stored in the storage area 22. The end-plate fasteners 28 a and28 b may be removed on at least one end to enable opening of theend-plate 24 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B).

In an example, handles 30 a and 30 b may be provided (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1A on the lid 18). Handles 30 a and 30 b may facilitate the userlifting and lowering the lid 18. The handles 30 a and 30 b may alsofacilitate the user to install and remove the truck bed storage system10 into and out of the truck bed 1. Other accessories may also beprovided (e.g., locks and hooks).

During installation, the truck bed storage system 10 can be placed intothe truck bed 1. No drilling is needed. The frame 12 may be secured tothe side walls of the truck bed 10 with slider locks or other lockmechanism. To remove the truck bed storage system 10, the process forinstallation can be reversed. Installation and removal of the truck bedstorage system 10 may easily be performed by a single person. Whenremoved from the truck bed 1, the truck bed storage system 10 occupies asmall space (e.g., relative to the space defined by installed truck bedstorage system 10). This feature facilitates storage and transport ofthe system.

Before continuing, it should be noted that the examples described aboveare provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to belimiting. Other devices and/or device configurations may be utilized tocarry out the operations described herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are close-up views showing a side wing 32 of the exampletruck bed storage system 10. In an example, the truck bed storage system10 includes a third panel on one side, and a fourth panel on the otherside. The third panel is a first wing 32 forming a first sidewall of thestorage area 22 formed in the truck bed 1. The fourth panel is a secondwing 32 forming a second sidewall of the storage area 22 formed in thetruck bed 10. The first wing 32 is hinged 33 to a first side of theback-plate 24, and the second wing 32 is hinged to a second side of theback-plate 24.

FIGS. 8A-8C show an example truck bed storage system 10 with anextension panel 34. In an example, the extension panel 34 is hinged tothe frame 12. This enables the extension panel 34 to be moved from aclosed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8A), to a partially openposition (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8B), to a fully open position (e.g., asshown in FIG. 8C). The extension panel 34 may cover all or a portion ofthe remaining truck bed 1 behind the lid 18 of the truck bed storagesystem 10.

In an example, a truck owner wishing to store items in a secure mannerin a truck bed may decide to use the truck bed storage system 10. By wayof illustration, the dimension of the inner space may cover about aquarter of the truck bed, one-third of the truck bed, one-half of thetruck bed, about two-thirds of the bed, or the entire truck bed. It isnoted that lid sections may be substantially the same size, or thesections may be different sizes. The arrangement enables a user to storeitems inside the storage system in front of the storage system area butunder the lid, extending partially outside of the lid and/or on top ofthe lid.

It is noted that the truck bed storage system 10 is shown in FIG. 8A forpurposes of illustration including optional side rails 36, as will bedescribed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 10A-10B and11A-11B. It is noted that the side rails 36 may be folded to enableopening of the extension panel 34 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C).

It is also noted that the truck bed storage system 10 is configurableand reconfigurable, e.g., for different purposes and/or to haul varioussize loads. In an example, transformation time is less than two minutes.

In an example, a smaller box and/or toolbox may be provided byinstalling the mounting bracket and end plate into the position closestto the cab of the truck. The lid is folded in half and this forms thesmaller box. The folded lid can be fastened down for traveling. The lidfolds down to cover the entire box. To access the box, the lid folds inhalf, the two sides of the lid lift and stand upright against the cab ofthe truck.

When both lids are upright, these can be locked or fastened intoposition. In FIG. 8C, the lid 18 has been folded up to enable placementof large boxes in the truck bed 10. In an example; a larger box and/orcargo box may be provided by folding the end plate 24. To switch fromthe smaller box to a larger box, the mounting bracket and end platemove, and the lid unfolds.

FIG. 9 is a close-up view showing a lock mechanism of the example truckbed storage system shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. In an example, the extensionpanel 34 may be secured to the inside lip of the truck bed 1 sidewalls2A and 2B by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may includeslider locks 38 operable similar to the slider locks 14 a and 14 balready described above.

The latches or slide locks may be mounted to the lid 18. In an example,the slider locks 38 (and/or the slider locks 14 a and 14 b) may bemounted to the extension panel 34 by appropriately sized spacers 40.Spacers 40 enable a snug fit so that the slider locks fit under theinner lip of the sidewalls 2A and 2B of the truck bed 1. For example, ifthe bed rails and various building materials are not an exact thicknessor level surface, the spacers help compensate for the difference.

In an example, the latches may be extended under the inner lip of thesidewall in the truck bed to secure the frame to the truck bed. Thelatches secure the truck bed storage system 10 to the truck bed 1without having to drill holes into the truck bed. As such, the truck bedstorage system 10 interlocks within itself and the truck bed 1 withoutthe drilling of holes or the use of tools.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example truck bed storage system 10 with anupper transport deck 42. FIGS. 11A and 11B show another example truckbed storage system 10 with an upper transport deck 44. In theseexamples, the truck bed storage system 10 is configured to haul a loadon top.

For example, in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the upper transport deck 42 isconfigured to carry one or more bicycle 46 and stroller 48. Of course,the upper transport deck 42 may be configured to carry other types ofvehicles (e.g., canoe, wheelbarrow, etc.). The upper transport deck 42is not limited to carrying vehicles. For example, in FIGS. 11A and 11B,the upper transport deck 44 is configured to carry a pet carrier 50and/or a pet 52 (inside or outside of the pet carrier 50). Additionalcomponents (e.g., bike wheel guide 47 and pet slider 51) may also beprovided to help maintain the position of cargo.

The side rails or fence 36 may also be provided to enable carrying ofother cargo (e.g., suitcases, groceries, etc.) on the upper transportdeck. Gates 54 may be provided to enable ready access through the fence36 to the upper transport deck. The gates 54 may be locked by locks 56.

Still further examples are contemplated. The example configurationsdisclosed herein are provided for purposes of illustration, and are notintended to be limiting in any manner.

In an example, the truck bed storage system 10 may include one or morecompartments. In an example, these compartments are referred to as acargo box and a tool box. For example, the larger compartment isgenerally referred to as a cargo box, and the smaller compartment isgenerally referred to as a tool box. Partitions may also be provided.

It is noted that the rear panel enables the truck bed storage system tohave configurable storage areas formed therein. In an example, the rearpanel is positioned closer to the truck cab to provide a tool storagearea. However, the rear panel and/or other partition panels (not shown)may be arranged in any desired configuration. In another example, even asingle end panel may provide different size compartments in the truckbed storage system (e.g., by positioning the panel at differentlocations in the truck bed.

It is noted that the truck bed storage system 10 may be manufactured ofany suitable material, such as but not limited to, metal (e.g., aluminumdiamond plated material is shown as an example in the drawings),plastic, metal or plastic-coated wood, and/or other materials.

The storage system may be provided in any of a variety of sizesaccording to the size of the storage space desired and the size of thepick-up truck bed into which the system will be assembled. Any of avariety of articles may be held within an assembled truck-bed storagesystem, for example, tools and camping equipment.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided forpurposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Stillother examples are also contemplated.

1. A truck bed storage system, comprising: a frame having an openingformed therethrough; at least one lock mechanism to connect the frame toa sidewall of a truck bed; a bedrail stop connected to the frame, thebedrail stop configured to fit over a front portion of the truck bed andstop the frame from sliding away from the front portion of the truckbed; a first panel hinged to the frame, the first panel forming a lid ofa storage area formed in the truck bed; and a second panel hinged to theframe, the second panel forming a back side of the storage area formedin the truck bed.
 2. The truck bed storage system of claim 1, whereinthe first panel lifts away from the frame to open the storage areaformed in the truck bed.
 3. The truck bed storage system of claimwherein the second panel folds under the frame to open the storage areaformed in the truck bed.
 4. The truck bed storage system of claim 1;wherein the at least one lock mechanism stops the frame from lifting upfrom the sidewall of the truck bed without modifying the sidewall of thetruck bed.
 5. The truck bed storage system of claim 4, wherein the atleast one lock mechanism is at least one slide lock configured to slideunder the sidewall of the truck bed and stop the frame from lifting upfrom the sidewall of the truck bed.
 6. The truck bed storage system ofclaim 1, further comprising an end-plate fastener.
 7. The truck bedstorage system of claim 6, wherein the end-plate fastener is connectedon a first end to a lower portion of the second panel, and the end-platefastener is connected on a second end to the frame.
 8. The truck bedstorage system of claim 1, further comprising a third panel and a fourthpanel.
 9. The truck bed storage system of claim 8, wherein the thirdpanel is a first wing forming a first sidewall of the storage areaformed in the truck bed.
 10. The truck bed storage system of claim 9,wherein the fourth panel is a second wing forming a second sidewall ofthe storage area formed in the truck bed.
 11. The truck bed storagesystem of claim 10, wherein the first wing is hinged to a first side ofthe second panel, and the second wing is hinged to a second side of thesecond panel.
 12. The truck bed storage system of claim 1, furthercomprising an extension panel.
 13. The truck bed storage system of claim12, wherein the extension panel is hinged to the frame.
 14. The truckbed storage system of claim 12, further comprising at least one lockmechanism to secure the extension panel to the sidewall of the truckbed.
 15. The truck bed storage system of claim 1, further comprising anupper transport deck.
 16. The truck bed storage system of claim 15,wherein the upper transport deck has a gated fence.
 17. The truck bedstorage system of claim 15, wherein the upper transport deck isconfigured to carry a bicycle.
 18. The truck bed storage system of claim15, wherein the upper transport deck is configured to carry a petcarrier.
 19. A truck bed storage system; comprising: a frame having anopening formed therethrough; a first panel hinged to the frame, thefirst panel forming a lid of a storage area formed in the truck bed;wherein the first panel lifts away from the frame to open the storagearea formed in the truck bed; and a second panel hinged to the frame,the second panel forming a back side of the storage area formed in thetruck bed, wherein the second panel folds under the frame to open thestorage area formed in the truck bed.
 20. A truck bed storage system,comprising: a frame having an opening formed therethrough; at least onelock mechanism to connect the frame to a sidewall of a truck bed,wherein the at least one lock mechanism stops the frame from lifting upfrom the sidewall of the truck bed without modifying the sidewall of thetruck bed; a first panel hinged to the frame, the first panel forming alid of a storage area formed in the truck bed; a second panel hinged tothe frame, the second panel forming a back side of the storage areaformed in the truck bed; and an end-plate fastener connected on a firstend to a lower portion of the second panel; and the end-plate fastenerconnected on a second end to the frame.